Department of Population and Public Health Sciences

Master of Public Health Program

Jennifer Wentzel in front of bikes in downtown Dayton. Jennifer is an M.P.H. program alumni.

badge for 2022 us news and world report a best in the nation public health graduate program

Right Now, the world needs public health leaders. Right Here, is the best place to start.

Earn your Master of Public Health degree from our nationally accredited program, offered in collaboration with local public health leaders, to prepare you with specialized skills like epidemiology and public health leadership. Our cohort-based model, with in-person evening and online courses, allows students to be engaged with their faculty and build a local public health network.

Master of Public Health Program at a Glance

Master of Public Health Skills

In-Demand
Skills

Specializations in epidemiology, public health leadership, health promotion, and integration with medicine. 

Partnerships

Engage with Local
Public Health Leaders

Partnerships with public health departments across Southwest & Central Ohio.

Hybrid Classes
Convenient 
Classes

Evening courses with online, hybrid, and in-person options. 

Location

Advance Your 
Career Right Here

The only accredited public health program
in the Dayton area.

Why Wright State University?

Alumni

As the first M.P.H. in Southwest Ohio, we have over 400 graduates serving in Ohio and beyond. Our graduates become leaders in medicine, public health, health care, insurance, and non-profit agencies - forming the public health workforce of our region. Alumni frequently present in classes, attend networking events, and serve as internship supervisors.

Hear what our alumni have to say about us.

Employment

Public health professionals, including epidemiologists, health educators, emergency response coordinators, and researchers, are in high demand and have numerous career opportunities. A graduate degree in public health can help people enter the profession and advance as a leader in their organizations; many of our students are employed and promoted before their graduation. 

Learn more about the workforce development opportunities provided by our program

Committed Faculty

Our faculty have expertise in a number of public health fields and are active in research and serving our community. With an average cohort size of 30 students, and our hybrid format, students are fully engaged and mentored by our faculty as they take the next steps toward their public health careers.

Learn more about our amazing faculty and their areas of expertise.

Diverse Student Populations

The student cohort is comprised of mid-career professionals, public health employees, physicians, medical students, and students just completing their undergraduate degrees. Students have the opportunity to begin working and networking with their future colleagues. 

Learn more about how to apply to the Wright State M.P.H. program.

Applied Practice Experience

We have partnership agreements with 11 health districts and all major healthcare and non-profit organizations in our region. Through this network, students complete an Applied Practice Experience and graduate with real-world experience and contacts. 

Learn more about the program curriculum.

 

Concentrations

The M.P.H. program offers two concentration areas of study: Health Promotion and Education and Population Health.

Public Health Promotion and Education

Health Promotion & Education

Students completing the health promotion and education concentration are trained to use social and behavioral science to develop and evaluate interventions that promote health and prevent disease. Health educators work in a variety of settings including local public health, healthcare, insurance, non-profits, and worksite wellness.

Population Health

Population Health

The Population Health concentration offers students the flexibility to pursue a variety of interests and specializations. Students in this concentration can earn one or more certificates. 

Certificates

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences offers four certificate programs - Aerospace Medicine, Epidemiology,  Health Care Management, and Public Health Leadership. Certificates allow students to build advanced skills in select public health areas. These specializations can help students gain employment and advancement. Courses completed as part of a certificate can be applied toward the Master of Public Health degree.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the foundation of public health and is defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of disease or disorders within groups of people. In the certificate, students learn to design studies, analyze large data sets, and make meaningful conclusions. 

Public Health Leadership

This certificate focuses on the skills and administrative principles needed to successfully manage in public health settings. Students achieve advanced competencies in strategy, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. 

Health Care Management

This certificate offers a curriculum designed to develop strategic management and leadership skills applicable to the health care industry.

Aerospace Medicine

This certificate is designed for physicians interested in practicing in the field of Aerospace Medicine (ASM) and pursuing American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) board certification in the sub-specialty of Aerospace Medicine. 

 

Master of Public Health Requirements

1

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

2

GPA of 2.7 or higher

Frequently Asked Questions

Why chose the Wright State M.P.H. program?

The Wright State M.P.H. program is a graduate program within the Boonshoft School of Medicine. It is the only accredited M.P.H. program in Raider Country, the 16 contiguous counties surrounding our Dayton and Lake campuses. The program offers a cohort model for our students and is integrated with local public health in our community. Students get involved in the community in a variety of ways, and public health professionals are frequently a part of the classroom. We have many research opportunities through local partners, the Boonshoft School of Medicine, and researchers in our department.

Is it possible to speak with faculty and alumni that share my interests?

Yes! Contact the M.P.H. program coordinator to schedule a meeting with our faculty or alumni. 

Is the GRE required?

The GRE is not required. 

How accessible are faculty to the students?

The program is just the right size for students to engage with their faculty one-on-one. Alumni often comment that faculty accessibility and availability are one of the strengths of the program. Students appreciate the mentoring they receive and often stay connected to the faculty and program after graduation.

How is the current job market for graduates of the program?

Fabulous! The program plays a central role in creating the public health workforce for southwest Ohio. We leverage our extensive partnerships to understand the workforce needs and place students in professional public health settings. In addition, many graduates also receive promotions and advancement after completing their M.P.H. degree. On average, 85% of our graduates are employed after graduation. 

Nationally public health professions are expected to grow 27% between 2022-2032, much faster than average occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). There has never been a better time to earn a degree in public health. 

What do alumni do after graduating from the program? 

Our graduates are promoted within their current employment, have entered their first job, or have gone on to further training (medical or doctoral programs). Our alumni positions include health commissioners, epidemiologists, emergency preparedness coordinators, public health nurses, health educators, program managers, grant managers, researchers, and more.

How are students advised in the program?

Students receive individualized guidance from faculty in their specified area of interest. Our faculty and M.P.H. program coordinator work with each student to tailor their program experience to meet their specific interests. We also have a dedicated staff member to assist students in finding and completing internships and other field placements. 

When do students select a concentration to complete?

Students will speak with the M.P.H. program coordinator in their second semester to map a program of study based on their professional interests.

Can you attend the program part time?

Yes! Students can attend either part time (3 credit hours) or full time (6+ credit hours).

Is it possible to work while in the program?

YES - many students do! The Wright State M.P.H. program is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Through evening, online, and hybrid courses, our students have been able to work full-time while enrolled in the program. Students can switch between full-time (6+ credit hours) and part-time (3 credit hours) enrollment should a reduced schedule be desired. Our staff assists students to successfully navigate through the program at their own pace.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Most students, attending full time, will complete the program in 2 years (5 to 6 semesters). It is possible to complete the program in as little as one year; speak with the M.P.H. program coordinator for more information.

Can the program be completed fully online?

No. The Wright State M.P.H. program is not an online program; however, we do have many online, hybrid, and flexible delivery course options. 

Are there any assistantships or funding available to students?

The Wright State M.P.H. program has the following funding opportunities:

  • The Boonshoft Public Health Workforce Scholarship provides scholarships equal to 50% of the in-state graduate tuition and program fees to those employed one year or more in a public health organization.
  • Graduate Tuition Scholarships may be awarded to strong incoming candidates interested in a career in public health. 
  • A Graduate Assistant (GA) position is available to second-year M.P.H. students. Notices are sent out when additional opportunities are available.  

Additional Wright State resources:

 

Additional resources

 

Request More Information about our M.P.H. Program

 

M.P.H. Program News

Wright State’s Master of Public Health program to celebrate 20th anniversary

Wright State University’s public health program will celebrate 20 years of excellence this year, starting with a kick-off event and reception on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine bolstering local public health workforce

The Boonshoft School of Medicine is collaborating with health departments in southwest Ohio to help prepare the next generation of public health leaders and skilled practitioners.

2022–2023 Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence: Community Engagement

Sara Paton
Sara Paton, associate professor of epidemiology and director of the Master of Public Health Program, has firmly rooted her teaching and scholarship in community-mindedness and engagement.
Last edited on 01/25/2024.